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Volume 136 • Issue 8
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
City to present plan of action on wastewater services Are you a citizen living within city limits but without city sewer service access? If so, the City of Kings Mountain invites you to learn more about its plan of action to provide wastewater services.
Their next meeting is at Adams Chapel AME Zion Church at 212 Lake Montonia Road in Kings Mountain, on Thursday, February 22, starting at 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact the City of Kings Mountain at 704-734-0333.
Artists’ work was featured during the Black History Month event at the Patrick Senior Center. This year’s event was a Celebration of the Arts - to Educate and Elevate!
CCC opens Small Black History Month at Business Center Patrick Senior Center Office in KM T h e S m a l l Business Center at Cleveland Community College is opening a satel- STEVE PADGETT lite office. “As the second largest city in Cleveland County, we would like to provide Kings Mountain with more convenient access to Small Business Center resources,” said Steve Padgett, Director. “Economic development is increasing in and around Kings Mountain, making the east side of Cleveland County an area of opportunity for small business growth.” The mission of the Small Business Center is to increase the success rate and the number of viable small businesses in Cleveland
County. The center provides high-quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners. The goal of the center is job creation and retention. “Small business is an important part of our community,” said Dr. Jason Hurst, president of Cleveland Community College. “We are honored to support our local entrepreneurs through the services provided by the Small Business Center.” The office will be located near the hospital, at 700 West King Street, in the former SunTrust Bank building. Contact Steve Padgett by phone [704- 669-4146] or email: padgetts@clevelandcc.edu for appointments and confidential business counseling.
Elementary teacher charged with sexual exploitation of a minor Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office arrested Anthony Marqui Neal, 36, of 702 Mount Sinai Church Road in Shelby, for the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after a concerned citizen reported someone whom they had talked to on a dating site had disclosed disturbing information about children. The case was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators. Once it was discovered that he was a teacher at a local elementary school, the sheriff’s office notified the school’s administration
and arranged to interview him. Following the interview, authorities ANTHONY issued a MARQUI NEAL search warrant for Mr. Neal’s residence. As a result, several electronic devices were seized. On the same day, school administrators suspended Mr. Neal. They are working closely with the Sheriff’s Office to fully investigate the incident. During an examination of the digital devices that were seized, images and a video were discovered of minor children involved in sex acts. These images and See CHARGED, Page 5A
On Tuesday, February 13, the Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain was proud to host its Black History Month Celebration, which was a Celebration of the Arts - to Educate and Elevate! Mayor Rob Wagman provided opening remarks, and Kings Mountain Councilmember Annie Thombs served as keynote speaker. Several local artists showcased their works for everyone to enjoy. The Patrick Center Chorus provided beautiful music, and volunteer Sarah Miller led
the attendees in a meaningful song. Reverend William Thompson presided over the event, which the Albemarle Corporation and the City of Kings Mountain sponsored. The Patrick Senior Center staff commented on the event, saying, “Many thanks to the Planning Committee, the Patrick Center staff and volunteers, our guest speaker, and all artists who participated in making this event a success.”
Reverend William Thompson presided over the event, which the Albemarle Corporation and the City of Kings Mountain sponsored. See more photos on page 5A. (Photos by Lynn Lail)
City hosting 3D breast cancer screenings on March 6 On Wednesday, March 6, the City of Kings Mountain will hold 3D breast cancer screenings at 103 West King Street in Kings Mountain. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is key. Breast Cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the country. In an effort to support the women in our community, the city has partnered with Invision Diagnostics to provide breast cancer screenings to all women who qualify.
To schedule your screening, please visit https://appointments.invisiondiagnostics.com/ or scan the QR code. Who is eligible? • Women 35 years and older with an active health insurance plan • Must be one year since the previous mammogram • Can’t be pregnant or breastfeeding • Must report a PCP or OBGYN to receive results • Must not have a lump you can feel or dimpling
A mobile breast cancer screening bus will visit KM on March 6. (Photo by City of KM) of the breasts, or nipple
changes.
(Right: Scan this QR code to set up an appointment)
Heating assistance for qualified families By Loretta Cozart Cleveland County Department of Social Services is now taking applications from individuals who need financial assistance paying their heating bills. Each eligible household may receive up to a maximum of $600 per year for combined heating and cooling assistance. This is a federally funded program, and the total amount that Cleveland County re-
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ceived for heating and cooling assistance this year was $591,111. Of this total funding, $196,000 was paid to 949 households for cooling assistance this past summer. That deduction leaves a remaining balance of $395,111 in the County’s emergency fund to pay for heating bills this winter. To be eligible to receive financial assistance with heating, a household must: • Be located in Cleveland
County • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria • Have income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty limit For example: • For a household of one, an income of $18,210 or less • For a family of four, an income of $47,070 or less • Have a health-related issue that might be made worse without heat
• Have a utility bill that shows how much is owed to the utility company • Be responsible for their heating cost Each household is individually evaluated, and if determined eligible for assistance, payments are made directly to the household’s utility company. Each household can receive a maximum of $600 yearly in heating and cooling financial assistance. See ASSISTANCE, Page 5A
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